The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, today (July 22) visited the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) to learn more about the department's work and challenges.

     Mr Tse visited the AFCD headquarters and had a meeting with the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Dr Leung Siu-fai, and other directorate staff. He visited the Hong Kong Herbarium and learned about the AFCD's work regarding the collection, identification and curation of specimens representative of Hong Kong flora. He also visited the Endangered Species Resource Centre and was briefed on the operation of the Centre. The Centre is composed of nine theme areas and is displaying some 600 specimens of about 200 endangered species, including fur skins, leather products, Chinese medicines, plants and live pets, so as to promote public awareness on endangered species protection. 

     Accompanied by Dr Leung, Mr Tse then went to the Vegetable Marketing Organization to view its operation. He also went to the Controlled Environment Hydroponic Research and Development Centre, which has been proactively exploring modernised production methods for the local agricultural industry to speed up the growth of crops effectively, so as to enhance the modernisation and sustainable development of the industry.

     Mr Tse said that the AFCD has been playing a vital role in the maintenance of the ecosystem of the natural environment and the facilitation of agricultural and fisheries production. With the inclusion of the AFCD in the Environment and Ecology Bureau, policies and work related to nature and ecology conservation as well as agriculture and fisheries can be integrated more comprehensively, thus achieving synergy, strengthening the local biodiversity and enhancing the sustainable development of the agricultural and fisheries industry.

     The AFCD's services also cover the management of country and marine parks; regulation of animals, plants and fisheries; and provision of technical services. Mr Tse expressed the hope that colleagues in different positions will continue to do their best to serve the public and to meet various challenges with a passion for continuous improvement.

Ends/Friday, July 22, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:20

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